Atheneum Theatre

This iconic cult classic musical is a whirlwind of wild energy from the “Science Fiction” opening strains to the show-stopping finale of “Time Warp”. It promotes self-expression and encourages people to show up, drop their inhibitions, let loose, and have fun. The show opened in Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre on Wednesday 24^th of May to a jump-out-of-your-seat audience, in anticipation of a great night at the theatre.

Originally, like the Little Shop of Horrors, this horror-comedy musical was released to negative reviews. It required an unconventional audience and midnight movie screenings to be appreciated for its campy humour, outrageous characters, and catchy music. It was also ahead of its time with themes of sexual liberation and gender fluidity and … well … times have finally caught up!

The story, in a nutshell, is about Brad (Ethan Jones) and Janet (Deirdre Khoo) who just got engaged when their car broke down during a storm, and they looked for shelter at a nearby peculiar castle. These two conservative and innocent characters became the unintended guests to the owner of the castle, the mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter (Jason Donovan), which was where most of the fun took place! It was a particularly important night because Frank was in the midst of creating the perfect muscle man for himself, named Rocky (Loredo Malcolm). 

And so, when Brad and Janet were invited in, they met the castle’s bizarre inhabitants and whilst they were shocked and wanted to escape, they were trapped and later, drawn into the surreal world of unconventional seduction and highly sexually charged behaviour. What happened on stage blurred the boundaries between reality and fantasy and in no time, the couple transformed from conservative, vulnerable, and innocent to curious, confident, and sexually adventurous.

The cast selection for this show was perfect, and the characters gave the audience just the right feeling. For example, Donovan captured Frank’s flamboyant and powerful persona on stage. He created a polarising Frank, attracting those around him with his charm and repulsing them with manipulative, abusive behaviour. Stellar Perry was a fabulous Magenta (Dr Frank N Furter’s maid), she was mysterious, seductive, and loyal but also Perry conjured qualities of darkness, strength, and sarcasm. Riff Raff (Henry Rollo), Frank’s right-hand man, predictably appeared unpredictable on stage, with a wild mop of hair, a pale white face, and a mysterious quirkiness around his character.

Malcolm had the perfect “look“ for the model muscleman with athletic and acrobatic movements as he effortlessly spun, jumped and flipped on stage, showing off his physique. Myf Warhurst was the delightful Narrator. She was just plain charming! Her engagement with the audience was natural and spontaneous. Columbia (Darcey Eagle) was bright and sparkly on stage, fitting her free-spirited character and unconventional self-expression. Ellis Dolan doubled as Eddie and Dr Scott, transforming from a fierce tough guy to a conservative, serious, and no-nonsense doctor. Jones and Khoo created a fabulous transformation from innocence to debauchery, shedding their inhibitions along the way.

Whilst the set design was appropriate, representing light and innocence with a cartoon-like car and church at the start of the performance to the dark lair of the castle, sometimes the stage felt too small and cramped. Perhaps the set design and lighting could be enhanced to create the illusion of space. However, the phantoms formed an important visual spectacle, creating movement on stage, adding a sense of chaos and devotion to their master. Likewise, the live band added an extra element of engagement, they gave a dynamic performance for the catchy melodies, an essential part of the Rocky Horror Show’s appeal.

This production of the Rocky Horror Show, under the direction of Christopher Luscombe, is worth seeing if you want to be part of a unique, immersive theatrical experience. This shows run in Melbourne through to the middle of August before touring through Perth, the Gold Coast and Canberra for the rest of 2023.

This review also appears in On The House

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